Slavic

The death of the legendary singer and songwriter Kemal Monteno has united the entire region in sorrow, as artists, politicians and ordinary people alike mourn the passing of a man who entertained generations with his ballads about life and love.

Many Croats will be spending part of the first Sunday after Christmas going to the polls to select a new President.

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A man was shot with a gas pistol and then hit to death with a bottle in Sofia on Wednesday, police say.

The incident unfolded at the Dimitar Petkov market, not far from downtown Sofia, according to Darik Radio.

Police sources suspect the victim was well-known in the neighborhood as a drug addict and pickpocket.

BELGRADE - Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic informed on Monday a delegation of the Senate of the Italian Republic about the tough economic measures that the Serbian government has taken in an effort to create an environment conducive to business and attract investors from Italy and other countries.

German official pledges continued support

BELGRADE -- German Vice Chancellor Sigmar Gabriel has expressed the strong support of his country's government to the reforms of Serbia on the road to the EU.

Bulgaria's Justice Minister Hristo Ivanov became father of a boy on Saturday.

The news first appeared on PM Boyko Borisov's official Facebook page.

"We have the first baby in the government," Borisov wrote. "The Justice Minister Hristo Ivanov today became father of a boy and treated us on the happy occasion. May the entire family be healthy!"

"EU path, no sanctions against Russia," PM reiterates

BELGRADE -- Its bid to join the EU is Serbia's strategic goal, and Serbia supports Ukraine's territorial integrity, but it will not impose sanctions against Russia.

PRAGUE - Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic said in Prague on Friday that full EU membership is Serbia's strategic goal, and noted that along that path Serbia wants to revive its economy, and that Czech companies are welcome to assist Serbia in the process.

BELGRADE - Serbian Parliament Speaker Maja Gojkovic spoke in Belgrade Thursday with her counterpart from Greece Vangelis Meimarakis about parliamentary cooperation, European integration and economic reforms.

BELGRADE - Stefan Nemanja, the founder of the Nemanjic dynasty, represents a beacon for new generations that defines the direction for preserving the Serbian state, Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic said at an international conference marking a great anniversary - 900 years since the birth of the creator of a strong medieval Serbian state.